The Acheson Group, a consulting firm started by former top FDA and USDA food safety official David Acheson, predicts a big focus on the Food Safety Modernization Act, labeling and food recalls in 2016.

“We expect to see companies rushing at the 11th hour to meet [FDA’s FSMA] deadlines,” the group wrote in its special year-ahead article. The consulting firm also predicts a bigger focus on salmonella as an adulterant, adding that it doesn’t expect such a declaration to be made by USDA’s Food Safety and Inspection Service in the new year. However, the group warns that a large outbreak of antibiotic-resistant salmonella could be a “real game-changer.” The group also predicts more advances in norovirus detection systems, especially after recent outbreaks on cruise ships and at a Chipotle location.

Later this month, David will be leading a webinar that will focus on FSMA’s Foreign Supplier Verification Program and its implications for the baking industry, as well as provide key insight on developing compliance programs. With the FSMA deadline fast approaching, ABA strongly recommends every one of its members to participate in this webinar.